Today’s book review features
In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart.
About the Book
In 1881, Jacci Reed is only five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her from the steamboat her mother, Irena, works on. Badly wounded during the confrontation, Irena takes Jacci aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat tied up beside them. There, Jacci’s actor grandfather tends to her mother and Jacci gets a first taste of the life she will come to lead.
Fifteen years later, Jacci is an actress aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, and largely contented with her adopted family of actors, singers, and dancers. Especially Gabe, who has always supported her, and the gruff grandfather she has come to know and love. Jacci’s mother has been gone for years, but the memory of the altercation that ultimately took her life–and the cryptic things Jacci has overheard about her past–is always there, lurking in the back of her mind.
When someone on the showboat tries to kill Jacci, it’s clear her questions demand answers. But secrets have a way of staying in the shadows, and the answers she craves will not come easily. Gabe only hopes they come in time for him and Jacci to have a future together.
From Goodreads
Author Information
Discover more about Ann H. Gabhart at: annhgabhart.com.
Danielle’s Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
In the Shadow of the River is a historical romance by Ann. H. Gabhart.
This story. Wow. It is beautiful, emotional, page-turning …. I couldn’t put it down and yet the depth of the story tugged me to read slower. There is just so much wrapped up within the pages.
We watch Jacci experience trauma, joy, fear, and the revelation of secrets. Always by her side is the man she thinks of as a brother-yet-not, but always her friend. My desire to see them together grew stronger with each page. And the mystery takes so many twists and turns, it unfolds exquisitely.
Like the river the characters follow, this is a beautifully-told story I highly recommend.
Don’t miss the In the Shadow of the River First Line Friday post!
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